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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Generally, what will praying mantises eat?
(a) they will eat the leaves off of trees
(b) they will eat anything small enough for it to capture - even tiny garter snakes
(c) they eat tree roots
(d) they eat flower petals

2. Chlorophyll has a single atom of what substance in the center?
(a) hydrogen
(b) carbon
(c) zinc
(d) magnesium

3. Why does Dillard believe humans are vulnerable?
(a) because humans are gullible
(b) because there is a lot of violence in the world
(c) because of how easy it is for death to find them
(d) because humans are emotionally out of control

4. What does Dillard say can be as blinding as complete darkness?
(a) some camp lanterns
(b) too much light
(c) a full moon at midnight
(d) a mind that is closed

5. Even though she is no scientist, what did Dillard decide she will do in her valley?
(a) erect a new cabin
(b) plant a flower garden
(c) raise sheep
(d) she will explore her valley and report the unmapped frontiers

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the analogy she draws between the snake skin and the seasons?

2. What is figurative seeing?

3. What sport does the author play come spring?

4. What causes most insects' behavior?

5. In Chapter 2, Dillard talks of a game she played where she would hide what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dillard relate the plankton to the Eskimo learning about Christianity and to herself?

2. In Chapter 3, what has the reader learned about Dillard's attitude towards living creatures?

3. Why do you think this chapter could have been titled "Potential?"

4. Dillard states that once one accepts the inevitability of death, the rest is easy. What might she mean by that?

5. What happens when Dillard tries to stay in the present?

6. In Chapter 11, Dillard is mimicking a group of people. Who is she mimicking and why? How do you know this?

7. In the second section of Chapter 11, Dillard stays almost exclusively focused on one topic, seldom straying. Why do you think she is staying so focused?

8. Dillard discusses the concept of the world as being "old and ragged." How does she relate that to the natural world and her own life?

9. What might Dillard's fascination and stories about the praying mantis demonstrate?

10. Dillard watches a mosquito feed on a copperhead snake. What does she think of the act?

(see the answer keys)

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